The Algeria defender Adlène Guedioura has said his team will fear every England player at the World Cup when the teams meet in Cape Town on 18 June.

The North African side open their Group C campaign against Slovenia in Polokwane on 13 June before taking on one of the pre-tournament favourites five days later. They will do so having slipped to a comprehensive defeat by the Republic of Ireland in Dublin last night, and knowing they could face an even bigger test against Fabio Capello's men next month.

Asked which player they fear most, Wolves' Guedioura said: "Every player – and Capello too. Every player is one of the best players in the world and the coach of England is special too, so we need to be focused for this match. We need to work step by step, and after to be focused on the first game. After that, we will see if we can beat England."

That said, Algeria, who will be roared on by some of the most vociferous fans in South Africa if Friday's contingent at the RDS Arena are anything to go by, have not given up hope of springing a major surprise.

The 24-year-old full-back said: "It will be a very hard and difficult game for us. We need to prepare for the first match first, but then afterwards against England, yes, it will be special because I play in England and I know every player in the England team.

"It will be difficult for us, but we must prepare ourselves well because it is a difficult game. We have a lot of good players in the Algeria team and in the World Cup you have a big, big motivation. It's a special occasion.

"You don't know in football. I hope we can do very well against England and every other team, especially in the first game."

Algeria reached the finals for the first time in 24 years after a play-off victory over Egypt, and are determined to leave their mark on the competition. However, they know they have work to do after losing 3-0 in Ireland in a performance which did little to enhance their reputation as they prepare for their final warm-up game. PA